SO MUCH MORE The adventure that lasts a lifetime

Your child is about to embark on the biggest, and most important, adventure of his or her young life. Education. It’s a lifelong adventure that will hopefully continue way THEbeyond school ADVENTURE days, far away as that must now THAT seem. If your son or daughter comes to Nottingham High Infant and Junior School, their LASTSeducation will bear manyA ofLIFETIME the hallmarks of the great classic adventures: they will be stimulated, will grow in confidence and independence, and achieve more than either of you Yourever thought child is possible. about to embark on the biggest and most important adventure of their young life: education. It’s a lifelong journey that will continueAt Nottingham way High, beyond this educational their school adventure days, will far take away place as in that an environmentmay seem. that balances aspirations and expectations with warmth, kindness and praise. Academic Ifsuccess your son or is daughter prized comes but to so Nottingham is laughter High Infant and havinglearning. fun Your whilst son or learning. daughter will Your make lotsson of or good daughter will and Junior School, their education will bear many of the friends along the way and will be supported and valued hallmarksmake lots of the of great good classic friends adventures: along they willthe be way andby willtalented be andsupported committed teachers.and valued by talented and stimulated,committed will grow teachers. in confidence and independence, and achieve more than either of you ever thought possible. Why not come to visit us and explore whether Nottingham High Infant and Junior School is the right place for your AtWhy Nottingham not come High, thisand educational visit us adventure and explore will take whetherchild’s educationalNottingham journey? High Infant and Junior School placeis the in anright environment place thatfor balancesyour child’s aspirations educational and journey? expectations with warmth, kindness and praise. Academic success is prized but so is laughter and having fun whilst

Clare Bruce Bruce- Head, Nottingham High Infant and Junior School Head, Nottingham High Infant and Junior School

SO MUCH MORE 01

Where ordinary children achieve extraordinary things 03 The School creates a warm, positive environment in which individual children can learn and develop relationships. The teaching staff are all open, friendly and accessible to parents.

Parent Survey 2017

A NATIONAL REPUTATION

Nottingham High School has a strong reputation for academic success. We hope that the co-curricular and pastoral care outlined in this prospectus will also demonstrate the many ways that we are so much more than our academic achievements.

02 SO MUCH MORE In the Infant and Junior School, the selective nature of the intake means that the school doesn’t have to focus exclusively on numeracy and literacy but can work on core skills in a wide range of other subjects, giving time to these areas that is hard to find within the state system.

The Good Schools Guide, 2017-18 CO-EDUCATION Since becoming co-educational in 2015, the number of girls at Nottingham High School has been continually growing year on year.

Class sizes have been kept at no more than their current Infant School, major extension works at the Junior maximum levels (18 in the Infant School and 24 in the School and improvements to facilities across the school Junior School) as we know how important this aspect of as a whole. There has also been a wide array of our provision is to our parents. To meet the rise in co-curricular activities and sports added to the school’s demand for places we have increased our capacity, with already impressive programme. the construction of more classrooms at Lovell House

SO MUCH MORE 05 The School delivers a high standard of education and keeps the students engaged and motivated, as well as giving them self-confidence.

Parent Survey 2017

CATERING FOR INDIVIDUALS You will no doubt have noticed that your child and their siblings, friends and peers all approach things differently. Some prefer moving to sitting still, others will sit quietly engrossed in an activity for hours. Some learn by listening, others by doing or by seeing.

We understand that every child is unique, so we gear everything according All the facilities and resources are chosen to enhance the opportunities to their personal needs. Education is hands-on and there is plenty of for learning: playground equipment that will help your child let off steam practical outdoor learning. Your child might be taught about gases by at break, seating areas for those who prefer to sit and talk with their making a fire, toasting marshmallows and cooking popcorn. A lesson on friends, beanbags in the library so your son or daughter can relax whilst habitats might see your child exploring the garden. Drama lessons might reading. Consequently, your child will be happy, at ease with their see your child performing to their friends in the amphitheatre. friends, have great fun and make excellent progress.

SO MUCH MORE 07 THE NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL FAMILY On joining Nottingham High School your child will be welcomed into our happy, safe, and caring school family.

For the first three years (aged 4 to 7) your son or Thanks to our small class sizes, your child will be known, daughter will be in the Infant section of the School based loved and supported as an individual. As your son or at Lovell House, a self-contained building with its own daughter progresses through the School, he or she will gardens, playgrounds and dining hall. From age 7 to 11 experience a continuity of expectation and care, for it is he or she will be in the Junior section, a dedicated area in consistently meeting praise and kindness that on the main school site. self-confidence and independence will be developed.

SO MUCH MORE 09 STARTING THE EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURE

We want your child to love coming to school, to see education as an adventure, something that is fun, not daunting.

Yes, your son or daughter will achieve high standards with us, but precisely because school is exciting and lively, not formal and stuffy. Children learn best when they don’t even realise they are learning.

This is why much of your child’s learning in the Infant section will be through practical, purposeful play. Your child might think he or she is pretending to be Robin Hood; we know that they are honing their numeracy skills whilst counting the Sheriff’s treasure and developing useful design and technology skills by making bows and arrows.

There are times when your child will have to sit at a table, but there will also be plenty of time for wriggling, running, and putting the skills learned to the test in an active and creative way, both in the classroom and outdoors in the school gardens.

SO MUCH MORE 11 THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS One of the huge advantages of choosing Nottingham High School is that your child will be able to access the ‘best of both worlds’ from an early age: the security of a small Infant School and the opportunities and facilities that come from being part of a larger school.

Your son or daughter will have the reassurance of being based in they may even take up a musical instrument. By the time your son the safe, nurturing environment of Lovell House, with a dedicated or daughter moves up to the Junior section they will already be classroom teacher and teaching assistant for each form. They will at ease with what lies ahead. be able to discover outdoor skills in the outdoor education garden. We will expect a lot from your child as they take these first steps However your child will also receive specialist teaching and have on the path to academic and personal success; but we will be access to some Senior School facilities. French and Spanish, there every inch of the way, offering affection and encouragement swimming, and sports tuition will all be part of the timetable; and nurturing with kindness and praise.

SO MUCH MORE 13 THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE ADVENTURE

When your child joins the Junior section the focus remains on making school enjoyable and ensuring that your son or daughter is happy and that the culture of high expectations, kindness and praise continues.

He or she will be taught by specialist teachers, and will have access to the fantastic facilities of the Senior School. Your child will make progress with us. Why? Because every day he or she will be making astonishing discoveries, facing exciting challenges, learning how to learn, and always building on existing knowledge and skills. Your child will be working at a fast pace and translating what has been learnt in one lesson to another. For example, having covered volcanoes in Geography, your child may go on to build a website on volcanoes in ICT.

This is a school with spark and a real sense of enjoyment. At the end of the day your son or daughter will go home tired but buzzing about what he or she has achieved. Your child will have a fantastic relationship with the teachers; they will get to know him or her well, and take pride in every achievement. Each will keep the other on their toes!

SO MUCH MORE 15 PASTORAL CARE Your child’s wellbeing matters to us as much as it does to you. Only if your son or daughter is happy and confident will he or she make the most of the doors that are opened and form lasting friendships.

Communication is key. Your child’s class teacher, In the Junior School your child will be welcomed into a who will know him or her best, will be your first point house community to which he or she will belong until of contact, always available in person, by phone or by leaving the Senior School. Your son or daughter will email. We will also keep in contact through reading form strong bonds with fellow housemates through the records and later, your child’s homework diary. inter-house competitions, developing team spirit and a sense of belonging in equal measure.

SO MUCH MORE 17 THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF THE PARTS The more closely we work together, the better the experience for everyone - most importantly of all, your child.

When your son or daughter joins us, you will parents’ evenings. If you are keen to be more involved, automatically become a member of the Friends’ there are opportunities to help out with trips and visits, Association. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings linking the learning that goes on at school and at home. and the regular social events, aimed at bringing staff, pupils and their families together. Equally, we recognise the pressures of juggling family life and work. We offer care before and after school, and a You can stay in touch and be part of your child’s holiday club for 5 to 13 year olds to make your life as education through newsletters, blogs, emails and parents as easy as possible.

18 SO MUCH MORE BRINGING LEARNING ALIVE

Remember the excitement of a school trip? The anticipation and sense that it’s going to be an amazing day, the thrill of being on a bus full of your friends, the moment when something taught in the classroom comes to life in the real world?

That is why we run a comprehensive programme of trips and visits for each year group - historic, cultural and sporting. Experiencing things first hand will stimulate your child, as will seeing how everything learned in the classroom has a real world application. There is nothing like visiting a battlefield or spending a day as a Victorian child for bringing history alive, for example. The same is true of listening to visiting speakers share their experiences or watching them demonstrate a skill or art form.

The social benefits of trips and visits are important too, whether day trips or residential. Your son or daughter will discover a great deal about him or herself through working and living with others. The first residential trip in Year 3 is always a hit, and our updates on social media mean that you can share in the experience as a parent.

SO MUCH MORE 21 This is a school that is not standing still, where the staff are encouraged to keep looking at the experience of pupils and parents to make it the very best it can be.

The Good Schools Guide, 2017-18 DISCOVERING NEW TALENTS When your child joins Nottingham High Infant and Junior School, the chances are that you, like countless other parents before you, will marvel at how quickly they grow in confidence. One of the reasons this happens is our belief in the importance of unearthing and celebrating skills and talents outside of the classroom.

Across the week over 30 clubs and activities take place, If there’s something your child would like to do that we making use of our superb facilities. Your child might enjoy don’t already do, they can start a club of their own. sporting activities: cross-country, tennis or dance. Some will join an orchestra, band or choir. Others’ interests might Success is celebrated in our ‘achievement assembly’, lie more naturally in chess or a writing group. It doesn’t where your son or daughter will be recognised for their matter. What matters is that your child discovers what he or contribution and skills whether inside or outside the she likes and where their strengths and talents lie. classroom. Thanks to our blogs, even relatives on the other side of the world can share in triumphs too.

22 SO MUCH MORE The sporting opportunities offered by the School are first class. I also have the Year 3 Instrumental Project to thank for introducing my son to the trumpet, something he really enjoys.

Parent Survey 2017 A HEALTHY MIND IN A HEALTHY BODY Not only does regular exercise and sport ensure children let off steam and concentrate better in the classroom, it also provides many valuable lessons for life: skill, courage, strength, competitiveness, resilience, working as a team, learning to win with courtesy and lose with good grace.

There are weekly swimming lessons in our school pool for Your son or daughter might be one of those children for all pupils. As your child progresses through the School, whom playing in a competitive and successful school team swimming and PE will be supplemented with a carousel of is the highlight of the week. He or she might prefer more additional sports such as hockey, netball, cricket and informal games and matches with others of the same ability. football. Your child can also try other options like tennis and Whatever the case, your child will be well catered for here. athletics if they appeal.

SO MUCH MORE 25 THE ARTS

Nothing beats the utter joy and pride a parent feels when watching their Communication child perform. Whether they are reading a poem in a poetry competition, between teachers and playing the trumpet in a school concert or making their stage debut in parents is fantastic. The the nativity play, the delight it brings stays with you for a long time. accessibility to teachers In the same way, your child will experience a huge Whether it’s throwing a pot in the art studio that sense of satisfaction as he or she explores the arts captures the imagination, or singing in a choir or is really great too. and experiences the joy of self-expression. acting in a class or school play, your child’s natural artistic talents will be uncovered and encouraged. Parent Survey 2017 The School is well resourced with its own music room, art studio and hall for productions.

26 SO MUCH MORE JOINING THE SENIOR SCHOOL Just as the transition from Infant to Junior School is seamless, your child’s move from the Junior to the Senior School will be both smooth and uncomplicated.

Your son or daughter will sit the entrance assessment for the Senior some members of staff. In this way your child is assured of an School, so that we can benchmark attainment levels. Entry into unbroken education without the bumps and dips that can occur Year 7 is almost always guaranteed for our Junior School pupils. when changing schools. He or she will be ready to take advantage of all that the Senior School can offer on the next By the time your child moves up to the Senior School, he or she stage of his or her educational adventure. will already be familiar with parts of the Senior School site and

SO MUCH MORE 29 ADMISSIONS

Parents of children eligible to take the January entrance assessment should complete and return an Application Form by 1st December. Application Forms are available from our Admissions Department, or can be downloaded from our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/admissionprocess

Please note that we require a photo of your child on the Application Form along with the registration fee and reserve the right to see a child’s birth certificate.

For full details of our Admissions Policy, please see our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/policies

SO MUCH MORE 31 At Nottingham High Infant and Junior School, we recognise the great importance of building sound foundations in our young pupils to enable them to embrace, enjoy and engage in their learning and to build on those important skills that they will need in their future lives.

Clare Bruce, Head of Nottingham High Infant and Junior School

INFANT SCHOOL

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Children entering Reception should be aged four to Year 3 (Junior School) is automatic, unless, All children are required to sit the Junior or over on September 1st of their year of entry. in the opinion of the Head, your child has not School Entrance Assessment for attained a sufficiently high standard of work or benchmarking purposes. The Reception assessment comprises a conduct to enable them to benefit from range of activities to assess children’s continuing their education at the School. We will contact prospective pupils’ current potential for learning. For children applying school for a reference and this must be for a place in Year 1 and Year 2 the Very rarely, the School may feel that it is not received prior to assessment. Please note assessment process assesses numeracy and in your child’s best interests to proceed to that bursaries and scholarships are not literacy skills and may involve observation the Junior School in which case you would offered at the Infant and Junior School, completing practical activities. We will be given at least one term’s notice. however they are available in Year 7. confirm the results for all candidates within 14 working days of the assessment. Throughout their time at Nottingham High Infant School your child’s progress will be For all children who join the School in closely monitored and any concerns Reception, transfer from Year 2 (Infant School) immediately communicated to you.

SO MUCH MORE 33 JUNIOR SCHOOL

THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Children should be 7, 8, 9, or 10 years old ability to express oneself imaginatively. Senior School, in which case you will be on September 1st of the year of entry. Prospective pupils are required to be given not less than one term’s notice. competent readers with a reading age Throughout their career in the Junior School The Assessment Day will be an opportunity above their chronological age. your child’s progress will be closely for the School to test your child’s abilities in monitored and any concerns communicated the core subjects of Mathematics and Our Mathematics assessment involves to you, such that it will generally be possible to English, including reading, along with some a series of challenging and interesting reach a final decision with you by the end of measures of general ability. All work is set at mathematical questions, which are based Year 5. All children are required to sit the National Curriculum ability levels appropriate on the National Curriculum content relevant Senior School Entrance Exam for scholarship/ for the age group and these assessments to the appropriate age range. bursary and benchmarking purposes. It is a stimulating, yet safe, should be seen as a positive opportunity for your child to show their ability in these The results for all candidates will be We will contact prospective pupils’ current academic areas. confirmed within 14 days of the assessment. school for a reference and this must be environment and my child has been received prior to assessment. Please note Your child will be given a variety of activities For all children who join the School in Year that bursaries and scholarships are not very happy there. There is a chance which may include comprehension exercises 3, transfer from Year 6 (Junior School) to offered at this entry level. and story writing. This will give your child Year 7 (Senior School) is automatic. Very for everyone to find the things that the opportunity to demonstrate both rarely, the School may feel that it is not in understanding of the text but also the your child’s best interests to proceed to the they are good at and the staff make real efforts to ensure the children excel at something.

Parent Survey 2017 34 SO MUCH MORE AIMS AND ETHOS We are an academic community where intelligent children from a wide variety of social backgrounds are given the maximum opportunity to strive for the highest standards.

We want children to develop their individuality and we must identify their talents in an environment where they feel safe and valued. Ours is a diverse, down-to-earth school which thrives on curiosity, challenge, encouragement and kindness; where everyone listens and responds to each other.

AT NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL WE:

• Build a culture of mutual respect and tolerance to equip our pupils with the skills necessary to live in a diverse society. • Expect and achieve high standards in academic work and in behaviour, valuing each pupil’s individual journey. • Maintain open communications between parents, staff and pupils to foster a partnership of learning. • Provide a creative and vibrant environment through a variety of opportunities and activities to allow every pupil to explore and experiment as they learn. • Provide a rich, stimulating and balanced curriculum that builds skills of independence, confidence and emotional resilience, through lessons which are challenging, engaging and exciting for all, to encourage an enjoyment of and love for learning. • Provide outstanding pastoral care. • Value and nurture each pupil as an individual, through our friendly, supportive and caring ethos. Celebrate the effort, achievements and talents of all.

SO MUCH MORE 37 THE SCHOOL DAY

INFANT SCHOOL JUNIOR SCHOOL The school day begins at 8:45am (although Early Bird Club opens from 8:00am The school day begins at 8:40am with registration in the form room (supervision is and supervision is available in the garden from 8:30am). During the morning available in the playground from 8:00am and breakfast is available from 8:15am in the children undertake numeracy and literacy lessons, with a break for milk, a snack Senior Dining Hall). This first form period enables children to organise their materials and playing outside. and discuss any issues with their form teacher.

Lunch is served in the Infant Dining Hall where the children have a choice of menus. Following this, pupils often meet as a school for assembly or hymn practice, or in their Afterwards they are given time to play in the garden. Lessons continue in the afternoon, houses for house meetings. These are followed by lessons, with each period lasting often including an assembly or hymn practice and a short, afternoon break. around 60 minutes and including a morning break.

After School Club is available from the end of the school day (3:45pm) until 5:30pm. Following lunch which is served in the Senior School dining hall, children have afternoon registration and afternoon lessons. The majority of subjects are taught by the children’s class teacher, although specialist teachers are used for some subjects such as swimming, music, French and Spanish. On Monday afternoons Year 3 and Year 4 children are taken to the school’s Valley Road Pupils also participate in our Outdoor Education Programme. Sports Ground as part of our games programme. Year 5 and Year 6 children do this on Friday afternoons. Other afternoons contain further periods of lessons, before dismissal All subjects are taught in an integrated curriculum to allow time for play and problem- with the form teacher. solving activities to take place. Whilst the Infant School is largely self-contained, we also use the School’s wider facilities such as the swimming pool and games field After School Club is available from the end of the school day (3:55pm) until 6:00pm. to expand the horizons of our pupils. English and Mathematics are given the greatest emphasis but we believe in a broad-based education to give a full and balanced approach to learning.

The subject areas covered in addition to Maths and English are: Science, History, Geography, Computing, ICT, Music, Drama, Art, Design Technology, Religious Education, French, Spanish, PE, Swimming, Games and PSHE. Pupils also participate in our Outdoor Education Programme.

CO-CURRICULAR Beyond the classroom we offer an excellent range of extra-curricular activities giving real breadth to our curriculum.

SO MUCH MORE 39 SCHOOL POLICIES

The policies include:

• Accessibility • First Aid • Admissions • Health and Safety • Anti-Bullying • ICT Use • Safeguarding • Offsite Visits • Complaints • Pastoral Care • Curriculum • Promoting Good Behaviour • Fire Risk • Support for Learning SO MUCH MORE

These are available in pdf format to view and download on the school website http://www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/policies

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS The current chairman of Governors is Mr David Wild and he can be contacted by email at [email protected]

HOW TO FIND US We are a short walk or tram journey from Nottingham Town Centre, with ‘The High School’ tram stop on the doorstep. Directions and information on transport links can be found on our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk

Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham NG7 4ED

Information in this prospectus is correct at time of printing. For the most up to date information please see our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk.

40 SO MUCH MORE Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham, NG7 4ED Telephone: 0115 845 2232 Email: [email protected] www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk